干细胞的功能论文
Introduction
Stem cells or better known as the “cellular building blocks” of a human body have become the hot topic of the past few years. These cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into various cell types, tissues, and some organs. They can be found in different parts of a human body; however, they are usually present in developing embryos. In this paper, we aim to discuss the functions of stem cells and how they have become the primary source of cellular therapies and tissue engineering.
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) are undifferentiated cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of early embryos. These cells exhibit properties of unlimited proliferation, self-renewal, and pluripotency. Once these cells are isolated, they can be cultivated in a laboratory where they can be grown in vitro. Additionally, ESCs are capable of differentiating into all three germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm which can give rise to tissues like the liver, muscles, and neurons.
Fetal Stem Cells
Fetal stem cells (FSCs) are cells that are retrieved from aborted fetuses or afterbirth. They have characteristics that are similar to that of ESCs. However, FSCs are more ethical, easier to harvest, and less immunogenic. The FSCs obtained from the umbilical cord are an excellent source of hematopoietic stem cells, which can be used in bone marrow transplants to cure blood disorders such as leukemia.
Adult Stem Cells
Adult Stem Cells (ASCs) are undifferentiated cells that are present in most tissues in adults. These cells serve as a repair mechanism for the body. For example, skin epidermal stem cells provide progressively maturing cells that form a barrier between the internal and external environments. Adult stem cells are also present in bones, liver, and brain. ASCs are slightly more restricted than ESCs since they can only differentiate into specific cell types found in their respective tissues.
Functions of Stem Cells
Stem cells have numerous functions and have been studied to treat many diseases. Here we will highlight a few functions of stem cells that are most commonly researched and used.
Tissue Regeneration
Stem cells can be used to treat severe tissue damage and degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. When injected into the affected area, stem cells differentiate into the cells of that particular tissue, thus promoting healing and regeneration.
Bone Marrow Transplants
Bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells which produce new blood cells. These cells can be harvested from a donor’s bone marrow, cultivated in the laboratory, and transplanted back into a recipient with a compromised immune system due to radiation or chemotherapy. These cells can restore the bodys immune system and help prevent infections.
Drug Discovery
Stem cells can be used in drug testing to detect side effects before clinical trials. This is because stem cells can differentiate into any organ system, allowing drugs to be tested in a lab environment without risking the patients life.
Cancer Research
One of the most promising uses of stem cells is the potential use of stem cells to cure cancer. Cancer researchers are studying the use of stem cells to develop personalized treatments for cancer patients, exploiting the fact that stem cells can differentiate into various cell types found tumors.
Conclusion
The applications and usefulness of stem cells have opened up new doors across many fields such as tissue engineering, drug development, and regenerative medicine. Despite the controversies surrounding embryonic stem cell research, newer methods of obtaining ethical stem cells have opened up new avenues and possibilities that were not previously available. The future of stem cell research holds a bright potential and offers hopes for the millions of people who are suffering from incurable diseases and disorders.
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